December 16, 2024

JAMAICA - Ya Man!

We only had one day in Jamaica and Port Royal is on the south side of island, in the middle of coastline. Kingston, the capital city, was close by and also happens to be where the home and museum of Bob Marley is located. Scott, Bob, Sarah and I want to check out the legends story and the tour did not disappoint. We had an excellent guide that sang and got us all singing too! He was really gifted in pulling us into the world of Bob, the times, Reggae Music and Rastafarian religion and culture. The museum is in one of the four homes Bob Marley actual lived with his wife Rita and 3 children, while in Jamaica and was the home he and his wife and manager were shot in. Bob was shot in elbow, his wife, in the head - both recovered. But his manager was hit in spine and paralyzed for rest of his life. 

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After the tour, we went down the road a bit to Devon House Mansion, which is the architectural dream of Jamaica's first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Steibel was among 3 wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century. There used to be 3 homes like this called Millionaire Corner, but other 2 were torn down and redeveloped. Stiebel made his money in mines of South America. In 1990, Jamaica made a national monument. Today, it is viewed as a monument and Gastronomy Center. The World's 4th best ice cream is on site as ranked by National Geographic's Food Journeys of a Lifetime. I tasted the "grapenuts" flavor, it was good - the best / only time I have had that flavor?!? Our driver Dain said the Curry lamb patty sandwich was his favorite! We did a quick stroll around and then headed back to ship. Along the way, we saw office building owned by countries Olympic legend Usan Bolt - note gold athlete on top of building. There are tons of motorcycles on roads, with multiple passengers, sometimes a whole family and their dog! Hence the sign! Back at the Ship we had a late lunch and then went out again to see small town of Port Royal. The main attraction is Fort Charles and we also saw the local fisherman bringing in their daily catch. We had hoped for a beach but prospects were limited in the port area. Several others had taken water taxi to Lime Cay Island. We were out of time.

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WAT BANG KUNG & TRAIN MARKET - Bangkok ,Thailand

By Pat Patrick • July 21, 2026
Wat Bang Kung Temple was a quick stop along the way to the Train Markets . What makes this unique is the Temple is completely enclosed by roots of four giant trees (a banyan, bodhi and others). From the outside, it looks like nature has swallowed the building. Inside the chapel is a golden Buddha image, that locals still visit to pray. It was quite active during our short visit there. The Temple dates back over 250 years and survived the Burmese invasion.

BANGKOK, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

By Pat Patrick • July 21, 2026
We picked Sunday, hoping for less traffic, to explore two famous Markets. First we traveled about 1.5 hours to the Floating Markets at Damnoen Saduak . We hired a driver with a van for the day, to take the group of us. Below is some of the interesting architecture along the way.

BANGKOK, TALAD NOI Neighborhood, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • July 21, 2026
I was looking for a neighborhood to walk around in Bangkok , hoping to escape all the thousands of people and shady sex elements, that were all over the area ( Nana, Sukhumvit ), unfortunately where we booked our hotel, for supposed transit connivence. Shame on me for trusting others recommendations and not doing more research on my own, lesson learned! Thankfully Talad or Talat Noi provided that escape for me, for one night. Sadly we didn't make it there till after sunset, when a lot was closed. But I still enjoyed the quiet and chatting with Sherrie, as we explored the neighborhood's knooks and crannies.